American Qi

Since graduating, something I’ve had a lot more time to think about is the relationship between pursuing art, but also pursuing style. I mean, I’m obviously someone who considers the relationship between the two on a daily basis and probably more than most, but since entering the real world I’ve just been feeling kind of lost in those regards.

My friend Danica put me on to her sister, Ariel’s, up-and-coming creative/material hybrid, American Qi. Really, I don’t think I could’ve assembled a better union of the two. It explores the push and pull of art as fashion and fashion as art in a simple and understated, but totally effective way. The designs are so good, from the choice of typography down to the simple textures. I think her best description of the collection is, “The products attempt to harness the uninhibited energy of contemporary art via the image and redistribute it to the public via fashion.”

The brand’s vision is also inclusive of gorgeous imagery and awesome sounds, and really, I think the appreciation for it all increases drastically when you watch their awesome video.

AQ Promo from Ariel Mitchell on Vimeo.

American Qi currently has a Kickstarter fundraiser to get the brand started but its in its final days! Please donate quickly to help bring this vision to life. If the fundraiser doesn’t meet its goal, it doesn’t get funded!